In-Pipe Leak Detection via multi-point close proximity scanning

Keywords:

Applications:

Detecting the existence and magnitude of a pipe leak.

Problem:

Acoustic methods only sense leaks from outside of the pipes which limits accessibility.

Technology:

This invention moves many small ring-shape tubes perpendicular to the inner tube wall to check multiple points in the pipe simultaneously. Leaks flowing through pipe walls will propagate into the tubes. By moving the ring through the pipe, the pipe’s inner surface can be mapped. A sufficiently high density of tubes would sense a leak anywhere around the circumference.

Advantages:

Detect the leak and its position and orientation by surveying the entire pipe surface